Reflective Entry
Can architecture visibly disappear? We sought to find out.
Our clients had recently moved to the greater Seattle area and found their new home's entry insufficient. The front door is tucked around the front of the house in a shady corner without any clear indicators that this is the point of entry. Guests were left confused approaching the home and needed directions on where to go. Additionally, there was no protection from the elements outside the door, which prohibited them from removing coats and shoes before entering.
The entry needed to perform two seemingly different goals. It needed to stand out and provide route finding for guests while at the same time obstructing as little light into the adjacent dining room as possible. As an architecture studio, we often find innovation by simply and directly addressing our client's needs.
During the initial design conversations, we found that the trickiest task would be not obstructing natural light. Glass was not an appealing option because of the tall trees surrounding the area and the wet, moss-friendly weather, which would require near-constant cleaning. The structure needed to be opaque... and reflective.
We designed a gateway to the home comprised of two main components: a steel structural frame and a suspended canopy. This strategy gave us an unobstructed plane that we turned into a pool of reflection when clad in mirror-finished stainless steel. These surfaces effectively bounce natural light into the home's interior and "paint" the entry with its surroundings.
The Reflective Entrance is an extension of the building and an extension of the landscape. Both eye-catching and invisible. A moment of wonderment to welcome you home.
Location - Bothell, WA
Type - Unenclosed Entry
Area - 72 sf
Year - 2023
Contractor - Metis Construction
Photography - Mikel Amias